Zamfara 8: APC Vanguard Salutes Matawalle’s Committee for Returning Suspended Members Back To Party, Car Gift

... Says Northern Votes for Tinubu Not Negotiable

By Peter Dansu 

The All Progressives Congress Vanguard, a group of party supporters, has applauded the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, and his reconciliation committee for successfully bringing eight suspended members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly back into the APC fold. 

The group made this known in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Danladi Musa, following the recent meeting of the lawmakers with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the subsequent donation of vehicles to them.

According to the statement, the intervention by Matawalle prevented what could have been a damaging loss of legislative and grassroots strength in Zamfara ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

The APC Vanguard described the development as a masterstroke that has restored unity within the party’s ranks in the state and strengthened the President’s support base in the North-West.

“We salute the courage, wisdom and political foresight of the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, and the members of his reconciliation committee for ensuring that these eight lawmakers returned home to the APC,” Comrade Danladi Musa said. 

“Their action has saved the party from unnecessary distraction and sent a clear message that internal grievances can be resolved through dialogue rather than division.

“The gift of vehicles to the returning lawmakers is a practical demonstration of care and empowerment. It will enable them to return to their constituencies, engage the people and mobilise effectively for the success of President Bola Tinubu and all APC candidates in 2027,” the statement added.

The APC Vanguard noted that the eight lawmakers—Aliyu Ango Kagara, Ibrahim Tukur Bakura, Faruk Musa Dosara, Bashir Abubakar Masama, Muktaru Nasiru Kaura, Nasiru Abdullahi, Bashar Bello and Bashar Aliyu—had earlier resigned from the party over prolonged suspension and concerns about insecurity. 

Their decision to reverse course after meeting the President was described as a victory for party discipline and leadership.

The group further emphasised that the return of the legislators has closed a potential gap that opposition parties had hoped to exploit in Zamfara. 

It insisted that the move has reinforced the APC’s dominance in the state and across the North.

“Northern votes for President Bola Tinubu in 2027 are not negotiable. The people of the North know where their interests lie, and they will not be distracted by temporary disagreements or opposition propaganda,” Comrade Musa declared. 

“What Matawalle has done is to protect those votes by keeping the party intact and focused on the bigger picture.

“We call on all APC stakeholders in Zamfara and the entire North-West to emulate this spirit of reconciliation. 

"No personal ambition or past grievance should be allowed to endanger the collective interest of the party and the President’s re-election,” he continued.

The statement also praised President Tinubu for personally receiving the lawmakers and giving them assurances on security and their welfare. 

The APC Vanguard said the President’s direct involvement demonstrated his commitment to party unity and inclusive leadership.

It added that the Tinubu Again Movement, which Matawalle is promoting, now has additional committed hands in the Zamfara Assembly to drive grassroots mobilisation.

“With these eight lawmakers back in the fold and empowered with vehicles, the APC in Zamfara is better positioned to deliver a resounding victory for President Tinubu in 2027,” the group stated.

“Their return is proof that when leadership acts with sincerity, results follow. We urge the Zamfara State House of Assembly leadership to urgently resolve the remaining issues surrounding the suspension so that these honourable members can fully resume their legislative duties and represent their people without hindrance,” Comrade Musa concluded.

The APC Vanguard expressed confidence that similar reconciliation efforts across other states would further solidify the party’s hold and guarantee success at the polls. 

It called on party members nationwide to remain united and focused on the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Network for Tinubu Welcomes President, APC Leaders To Formal Launch of 2027 Campaign

By Peter Dansu 

The Atiku Bagudu Grassroots Network for Tinubu 2027, a nationwide platform of supporters who firmly believe in the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration, has warmly welcomed President Bola Tinubu and leaders of the All Progressives Congress to the formal launch of the President’s 2027 re-election campaign. 

The group described the Kaduna flag-off as a critical opportunity to deepen public understanding of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the steady progress being recorded under the current economic direction.

In a statement signed by Hon. Ali Oriri, the network highlighted its members’ conviction in the transformative impact of the administration’s reforms and the outstanding work being carried out by the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, in the areas of national planning and economic development. 

The statement affirmed the network’s readiness to mobilise citizens across the country in support of continuity.

Hon. Ali Oriri said: “We heartily welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC National Chairman, members of the Presidential Campaign Council and all party leaders to the formal launch of the 2027 campaign. 

"This moment allows us to renew our collective commitment to the economic reforms that are gradually stabilising our nation.”

He added: “Our members are not merely political supporters. We are people who believe in the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration and the awesome work that is being carried out by the Honourable Minister in the area of national planning and economic development. 

"We see the results in improved coordination, better budgeting processes and a clearer path to sustainable growth.”

The network noted that Bagudu’s leadership at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning has provided critical technical direction for the implementation of key reforms. 

Members said the Minister’s focus on evidence-based planning, fiscal discipline and inclusive development continues to inspire confidence among citizens who want tangible progress rather than empty rhetoric.

According to the statement, the network has activated its structures nationwide to explain the benefits of the ongoing reforms and to encourage greater citizen participation in the campaign. 

It described the Kaduna launch as the beginning of an important phase in consolidating the gains already made.

Hon. Ali Oriri stated: “Senator Atiku Bagudu has demonstrated uncommon commitment to national planning and economic development. 

"His steady hand in coordinating budgets and aligning them with the President’s vision gives us the confidence to campaign vigorously for the continuity of this administration.”

He continued: “We believe that the reforms currently underway in fiscal management, revenue mobilisation and strategic planning must be sustained. 

"That is why our network is fully prepared to take the message of progress and responsible governance to every community where we have presence.”

The group also commended the Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, and other members of the council for the orderly preparations leading to the Kaduna flag-off. 

It expressed optimism that the campaign will remain focused on the administration’s economic achievements and the practical benefits already reaching ordinary Nigerians.

Members of the network pledged to sustain their grassroots engagement throughout the campaign period, emphasising education, mobilisation and peaceful participation as the pillars of their support for President Tinubu’s re-election

.

Hon. Ali Oriri noted: “Our belief is rooted in the results we see. The economic reforms of the Tinubu administration, combined with the professional and dedicated work of the Honourable Minister in national planning and economic development, give us every reason to stand firmly for continuity.”

He concluded: “As the formal launch takes place in Kaduna, we urge every member of our network across Nigeria to remain focused, disciplined and active. 

"Let us explain the reforms, defend the progress and work tirelessly so that Nigerians will once again entrust President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the mandate to complete the task of national renewal.”

Crisis In Opposition Camp As Agbese Debunks Kingibe’s Fuel Tax Claim

... Says 25% Levy Misrepresents Tax Law

By Peter Dansu 

A new tension has surfaced in the opposition camp after Hon. Philip Agbese, the lawmaker representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, publicly rejected claims made by Senator Ireti Kingibe of the African Democratic Congress over an alleged fuel tax and a flat 25 per cent levy on Nigerians’ earnings

Agbese, the Labour Party leader in Benue State, accused the FCT senator of deliberately misleading the public with scare-mongering tactics designed to harvest cheap political points ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, the federal lawmaker described Kingibe’s comments as reckless, factually bankrupt and an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians already battling economic hardship. 

He insisted that no new fuel tax exists in the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 and that her claim of a flat 25 per cent tax on every citizen’s income is a complete fabrication.

“Senator Ireti Kingibe is playing dangerous scare-mongering politics with the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians,” Agbese declared. 

“She knows there is no fuel tax in the tax reform laws, yet she continues to package falsehoods as fact just to frighten the people and position herself as some kind of saviour. 

"This is pure political opportunism of the worst kind. For the record, the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 is a progressive tax system. 

"The 25 per cent rate applies only to the portion of annual income above ₦50 million. The first ₦800,000 is taxed at zero per cent. Millions of Nigerians will pay nothing or very little. 

"For her to claim every Nigerian will lose 25 per cent of their earnings is either deliberate ignorance or outright mischief. She should be ashamed of herself.”

Agbese further noted that Kingibe’s attempt to link the tax laws to a non-existent fuel tax is part of a pattern of opposition figures weaponising economic pain for electoral gain. 

He pointed out that the tax reform laws were passed by the National Assembly, gazetted, and took effect on 1 January 2026 — facts that the senator has conveniently ignored while claiming implementation was being delayed until after the 2027 elections.

The Labour Party lawmaker said Kingibe’s conduct was particularly disappointing because, as a sitting senator, she had access to the full text of the legislation and the benefit of legislative briefings. 

He argued that her decision to still spread false information amounted to a betrayal of public trust.

“How does a senator who participated in the National Assembly process turn around and tell Nigerians that a fuel tax is coming when none exists? 

"How does she look Nigerians in the face and claim a flat 25 per cent tax when the law clearly says otherwise?” Agbese asked. 

"She is taking Nigerians for a ride and I will not stay silent while she does it. Kingibe should go back and read the Nigeria Tax Act properly instead of circulating half-truths and fear.

"If she cannot educate the public with facts, she should at least stop poisoning the atmosphere with lies.”

Agbese said the opposition’s strategy of exaggerating and inventing tax burdens would ultimately backfire. 

He maintained that Labour Party candidates, including himself, would continue to present clear, verifiable positions rather than resort to emotional blackmail.

He also challenged Kingibe to produce the specific section of the tax laws that imposes either a fuel tax or a uniform 25 per cent levy on all earnings, daring her to defend her claims with the actual legal text rather than viral rhetoric.

" She should retract, apologise, and stop using the hardship of the people as a political ladder. Anything short of that confirms that she is more interested in 2027 votes than in truth.”